Florida daycare license requirements

Large Family Child Care Operators: Must complete 40 hours of department approved training and subsequently pass a competency exam. Providers: Must be at least 21 years of age.

Child Care Arrangements. Though registered homes are not licenced or inspected by the Department, they are required to provide registration information on an annual basis that includes, but is not limited to: proof of training, background screening, and completion of a self-evaluation checklist. Usable indoor floor space is calculated by measuring at floor level from interior walls and by deleting space for stairways, toilets and bath facilities, permanent fixtures and non-movable furniture.

Kitchens, offices, laundry rooms, storage areas, and other areas not used in normal day-to-day operations are not included when calculating usable indoor floor space. The space used for play may be interchangeable with space used for cribs and play pens. The outdoor play area shall provide shade. During outdoor play, personnel must situate themselves in the outdoor play area so that all children can be observed and direct supervision provided.

A fence is not required if all the following conditions are met: The children using the outdoor play area are in five-year-old kindergarten and grades one or above; In addition to the established staff-to-children ratios, for the purpose of safety, an additional staff member is present, during all times of outdoor activities, to assist in providing direct supervision; The outdoor play area is not located adjacent to a congested, heavily trafficked location or near any major intersections, crowded business areas, or water hazards; and The department or local licensing agency has provided written authorization to the program to operate without a fence.

The urban child care facility must provide this additional indoor space with equipment that provides physical activities appropriate for the age of the children. For the purposes of these standards, sleeping refers to the normal overnight sleep cycle while napping refers to a brief period of rest during daylight or early evening hours.

When not in use, napping space and usable indoor floor space may be used interchangeably. Bedding means a cot, bed, crib, playpen, mattress or floor mat. Floor mats must be at least one inch thick and covered with an impermeable surface.

Floor mats and playpens may not be used for care when children are sleeping. Bedding must be appropriate for the child's size. Linens, if used for more than one child shall be laundered between usage. Linens must be provided when children are sleeping and pillows and blankets must be available. Exit areas must remain clear in accordance with fire safety regulations. Crib sides must be raised and secured while an infant is in the crib. I never would have thought to manage my business this way.

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